Monday 25 August 2014

Keerai Vadai (Spinach and Lentil falafels)

A South Indian classic this time - spinach vada.

Vada (or vadai) are made of soaked but uncooked dal (lentils) whizzed up in a food processor with some additional spices and ingredients (in this case, spinach). They make a great starter or accompaniment to a main meal.


Makes around 12 vadai.
Cost per unit: 0.67 zl (13 p)

You'll need:

- a cup of chana dal (split chick peas) soaked overnight
- a couple of handfuls of spinach
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1-2 green chillies finely chopped
- 1 tsp ginger/ garlic paste
- 2 dried red chillies
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
- salt to taste
- oil for deep frying

Let's work!

1. Soak the chana dal overnight and strain.


2. Blend in a food processor to a paste-like consistency. Don't add any extra water if you can help it.


3. Prep your dry spices


4. Grind in a coffee grinder to a fine powder


5. Wash and chop the spinach. Prep the rest of the fresh ingredients


6. Mix the fresh ingredients with the spice powder and the whizzed up lentils


7. Get the deep frying oil good and hot - do the old bread test. When the bread bubbles in the oil, you know you're there... Spoon a portion of the mixture and shape in your hand so they're like small burgers. 


8. Fry for around 5 minutes on a medium heat or until golden 


9. Scoop out and drain on kitchen paper


10. Enjoy!

Costing:

- spinach: 4 zl
- chana dal: 2 zl
- the rest: 2 zl

Total: 8 zl
Makes: 12
Per unit: 0.67 zl

No comments:

Post a Comment